Carlo Ancelotti vows Real Madrid will fight to overcome Arsenal in Champions League second leg

Ancelotti remains hopeful despite first-leg defeat, promises full effort at Santiago Bernabeu.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 quarter-final first leg match between Arsenal FC and Real Madrid C.F. at Arsenal Stadium on April 8, 2025, in London, England. Photo by James Gill/Danehouse

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Carlo Ancelotti vows Real Madrid will fight to overcome Arsenal in the Champions League second leg, despite suffering a heavy defeat in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium. Speaking with conviction after the 3-0 loss, the Italian manager emphasized that while the odds may be against them, his team will leave no stone unturned when they return to the Santiago Bernabeu next week.

"The chances are quite small, but we have to try, and we will try to do it in any way we can," Ancelotti told Madrid’s official website on Wednesday. His words reflect both realism and the trademark resilience that Real Madrid have shown throughout their illustrious Champions League history.

In London, Madrid were stunned by a rampant Arsenal side. Declan Rice scored twice—one of them a stunning free-kick—while Mikel Merino added a third to give the Gunners a strong advantage heading into the second leg. Now, the Spanish giants must produce a four-goal turnaround to secure a place in the semifinals.

The Bernabeu factor: hope remains

For most teams, such a deficit would appear insurmountable. But this is Real Madrid, and the Santiago Bernabeu is no ordinary stadium. It's a place where miracles have happened before.

"It’s very difficult, but strange things have happened at the Bernabeu," Ancelotti said, echoing memories of past comebacks that have defined the club’s legend. From stunning Paris Saint-Germain in 2022 to shocking Manchester City and Chelsea, Madrid have made a habit of rewriting scripts on Champions League nights.

Ancelotti pointed out that belief will be crucial, and while the first-leg scoreline is daunting, Madrid’s focus must be sharp and unwavering in the return leg.

First-leg regrets and tactical reflection

Reflecting on the loss, Carlo Ancelotti vows Real Madrid will fight to overcome Arsenal in the Champions League second leg by learning from their tactical missteps. He admitted that his players were too comfortable with the goalless score at halftime and were slow to react when Arsenal turned up the pressure in the second half.

"We were satisfied too early," he said. "We thought we were in control after a strong first half, but the reaction wasn’t good enough when we conceded."

Ancelotti didn’t hide his disappointment but refused to criticize his players harshly. Instead, he focused on what needs to be fixed before the second leg. "We have to make sure those same mistakes don’t happen again. We need intensity from the first minute to the last," he insisted.

History as a motivator

Real Madrid fans don’t need to look far for motivation. Under Ancelotti’s guidance, they’ve seen their team defy expectations time and time again. From last-minute goals to dramatic extra-time turnarounds, Madrid’s Champions League journey has often danced on the edge of the impossible.

For Ancelotti, this history is not just for nostalgia—it’s a blueprint for what’s still achievable. "We’ve done it before," he said. "The shirt, the stadium, the history—it all plays a part."

Even though they’re trailing by three goals, Ancelotti knows the expectations that come with managing this club. He understands that every player wearing white will be called upon to give their all, especially in front of their home crowd.

A call to arms for the fans

Carlo Ancelotti vows Real Madrid will fight to overcome Arsenal in Champions League second leg, and he hopes the fans will play a big role in lifting the team. "We need the support of the Bernabeu. The energy from the fans is part of what makes the impossible possible," he said.

He also emphasized that mental strength will be as important as physical performance. “We must be focused, calm, but also brave. We have 90 minutes, maybe more, to do something special.”

For Madrid, scoring early could change everything. Ancelotti is expected to encourage attacking football from the outset, likely pushing his players high up the pitch to force errors from Arsenal and regain momentum.

Real Madrid’s game plan: attack, pressure, belief

Although Ancelotti hasn’t revealed his starting XI, it's expected that key players like Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, and Federico Valverde will feature heavily in the game plan. Karim Benzema may not be part of this squad anymore, but the current crop has enough firepower and talent to turn things around.

Midfield control will be crucial, as will defensive solidity. Ancelotti knows Arsenal will try to exploit counterattacks, and he’s determined to keep a balanced but aggressive approach.

"We can’t be reckless," he said, "but we must take calculated risks. We have to score goals, but also be smart."

Arsenal remain a threat

Of course, Arsenal are not going to make it easy. The Gunners proved their credentials in the first leg, combining sharp passing, clinical finishing, and rock-solid defense. Arteta’s men are riding a wave of confidence, and they’ll be ready to weather Madrid’s storm.

Ancelotti acknowledged their quality but refused to be intimidated. "They played very well. But this is football. You can dominate one night, and still lose the next. We’ll see what happens at the Bernabeu."

One more magical night?

Whether or not Madrid can pull off another Champions League miracle remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Carlo Ancelotti vows Real Madrid will fight to overcome Arsenal in Champions League second leg, and that fight will be fierce.

For fans, neutrals, and players alike, the stage is set for a thrilling night at the Santiago Bernabeu. If history is any guide, there is still drama left in this tie.

As Ancelotti summed it up: "We’ve come back before. And we’ll try to do it again. The Champions League is full of surprises."

Now, the world watches and waits. Can Real Madrid defy the odds once more?